Against the backdrop of team training, Persipura Jayapura lifted the curtain on its striking new jersey ahead of the 2025–26 Championship season. The launch, held at Hotel UNY in Wates, Yogyakarta, marked more than just a kit reveal—it was a ceremonial ode to Papuan identity and a bold signal of resurgence for the Mutiara Hitam (Black Pearl) club.
Symbolism Woven in Stripe and Stitch
Persipura’s home jersey retains its iconic red-and-black base, reimagined with energetic brushstroke stripes that reflect the club’s dynamic soul and the innate character of Papuan players. The away kit pays homage to versatility with clean white-and-black tones, while the goalkeeper outfits arrive in bold pink and green, ensuring distinct identity on the pitch.
But it’s the motifs that steal the show. Designed by Papuan artist Jimmy Afar, the patterns blend flying fish, seagulls, stone axes, and beadwork—each element an ancestral blessing and a tribute to local tradition.
Voices from the Heart of Persipura
Benhur Tomi Mano (BTM), Persipura’s chairman, described the jersey as more than sportswear—it’s “a declaration of identity, awakening, and prayer from the land of Papua.” He urged supporters to wear it proudly as a statement of solidarity with the team’s rebirth. “This jersey isn’t just clothing; it’s a symbol of Papua’s cultural order. I’m hoping it becomes the new color to bring Persipura back to its rightful place,” he said.
Meanwhile, Manager Owen Rahadiyan unveiled the deeper philosophy behind the design—one rooted in Papuan artistry and team DNA. “Every stripe represents players born from Papua, carrying talent, fire, and pride,” he explained.
The Flying Fish Metaphor: Courage to Soar
Owen’s imagery is vivid. He likens Persipura’s return from Liga 2 to a flying fish emerging from familiar waters to conquer new skies—a metaphor of courage and transformation. “They leap not to escape, but to brave the unknown, to dream higher,” he said, casting the club’s ambition in poetic hues.
Culture, Spirit, and Strategy: A Unified Launch
The event, attended by board members, coaching staff, and players, was deeply symbolic. Held during training, it emphasized that new beginnings begin with preparation and unity. The jerseys themselves are crafted by local manufacturer Cenderawasih Karsa, reinforcing the club’s commitment to Papuan enterprise and cultural production.
Immediate Impact: Fan Response and Sales
Enthusiasm was overwhelming: the initial batch sold out in just ten minutes, with all 100 jerseys snapped up via Persipura’s marketplace before a restock was even announced. This rush underscores the emotional and symbolic value fans place on the jersey.
Intertwining Identity and Ambition
For Persipura, design goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about rooting their comeback in tradition and fan pride. Owen framed the jersey as tangible proof that they aim not only to climb back to Liga 1, but to do so as a team grounded in culture and identity.
BTM echoed this, declaring Persipura a beacon for Papua. “This is not an excuse for defeat,” he emphasized—urging even broader support from Papuan communities and supporters through merchandise purchases and advocacy.
Visual and Symbolic Roots
- Flying fish (ikan terbang): fearless ambition, willingness to rise above limitations
- Seagulls: freedom, harmony with Papua’s coastal environment
- Stone axes (kampak batu): ancestral tools, a symbol of heritage and perseverance
- Bead motifs (manik‑manik): prayers and blessings passed through local customs
These elements collectively form a narrative tapestry honoring Papuan aesthetics while infusing modern athletic spirit.
Distribution and Strategic Outreach
The club is opening an offline store in Jayapura, aiming to broaden access beyond online sales and engage local fans in person. This approach blends convenience with cultural pride, making the jersey both a fashion statement and a community symbol.
Why This Jersey Matters
Cultural resonance: It’s not just gear—it’s Papua’s history and identity worn on match day.
Rebranding with integrity: As Persipura works toward promotion, the kit anchors their journey in genuine Papuan roots.
Fan mobilization: Strong early sales reflect fans’ emotional investment in the club’s narrative.
Local economic impact: Partnering with Cenderawasih Karsa supports regionally produced merchandise, creating local pride and jobs.
Final Thoughts: A Jersey as Rallying Cry
Persipura Jayapura’s new kit is more than fabric, color, or branding. It’s an identity manifesto. It’s a bridge between cultural heritage and sporting ambition. And it’s a rallying cry to fans—with each stripe, motif, and stitch telling a story of culture, courage, and community.
As Mutiara Hitam prepares for the 2025/26 Championship campaign, they wear more than just a jersey—they wear tradition, pride, and a collective promise to fly higher than ever before.
Conclusion
Persipura Jayapura’s 2025–2026 jersey launch is more than a sporting event—it is a cultural milestone that intertwines football, identity, and collective ambition. Each element of the new jersey—its iconic red-and-black stripes, the flying fish motif, stone axe symbols, and intricate Papuan beadwork—represents the deep roots and resilience of the Papuan people. Designed by local artisans and produced by a regional brand, the jersey becomes a powerful symbol of homegrown creativity and pride.
This launch also signals Persipura’s determined journey back to Indonesia’s top football tier. The jersey encapsulates the club’s mission not only to win matches but also to reassert itself as a representative of Papua on the national stage. Chairman Benhur Tomi Mano and Manager Owen Rahadiyan both underscored this dual purpose: honoring heritage while igniting a fresh spirit of revival. The team’s “flying fish” metaphor reinforces the idea that Persipura is not simply returning—it’s soaring with purpose.
Fan response has validated this approach, with the first jersey batch selling out in just minutes. This rapid support shows that Persipura’s story resonates beyond the pitch—it inspires pride, belonging, and unity across Papua and beyond. The jersey serves as a daily reminder that culture and sport are not separate forces but deeply intertwined expressions of a people’s identity and hope.
In essence, Persipura’s new jersey is not just an outfit—it’s a message. A declaration that the soul of Papua lives in every match, every pass, and every cheer. As the team embarks on its championship season, they do so not only with strategy and talent but also with the weight of a culture proudly carried on their backs, ready to fly.